FORMER world boxing champion Steve Collins yesterday appeared in court accused of slamming a fridge door against his girlfriend's head following an argument at their home.

FORMER world boxing champion Steve Collins yesterday appeared in court accused of slamming a fridge door against his girlfriend's head following an argument at their home.

Irishman Collins, 39, a former WBO middleweight champion, is facing a charge of common assault after police were called to his home in Shoeburyness, Essex, last week.

Southend Magistrates' Court heard that Collins is alleged to have thrown a draining rack and a cup at Joanna Davies before storming out of the house. He is then accused of returning and assaulting her by catching her head in the fridge door.

Samantha Lowther, prosecuting, told the court that despite the initial statement given to the police by Miss Davies, she had now issued a retraction. However, she asked magistrates for further time to review the case.

Judith Sheldon, for Collins, asked the bench to consider lifting bail restrictions preventing the former boxer from visiting his girlfriend, with whom he has two young children.

She told the court, "She would wish to take the two young children back to the family home. The events of the past two days have been traumatic for both of them."

The bench agreed and allowed him unconditional bail to return to the court on December 16.

Ms Davies, who was in court, left with Collins following the hearing hand-in- hand. The pair refused to comment.